Coal

Coal fuelled the industrial revolution, and nearly everyone alive today has benefited from it, even as climate concerns have cast the industry in a harsh light. This book traces how coal has shaped human history and the landscapes and societies around it.

The author looks at how coal has been portrayed in the arts. He examines its presence in the novels of Zola, Lawrence and Orwell, and in the paintings of Turner, Monet and Van Gogh. He also considers coal in film, song and folklore, along with the unexpected appeal of visiting coal sites as tourist attractions.

Rich in illustrations, the book suits readers interested in industrial history, the cultural side of energy, or the environmental legacy of mining.